Cancer Prevention and Care Recommendations Summary
Recommendations for Cancer Prevention and Care
Lead Agency: Department of Health (DOH)
- Ensure policies under the Healthy Ireland framework are fully implemented, maximizing opportunities for cancer prevention, especially for smoking reduction.
NCCP (National Cancer Control Programme)
- Develop a cancer prevention function aligned with Healthy Ireland, focusing on reducing cancer risk.
- Create a national skin cancer prevention plan emphasizing children, outdoor workers, sunbed users, and outdoor leisure activities.
- Implement evidence-based mechanisms for evaluating cost/benefit of initiatives like chemoprevention to inform future programs.
- Lead a public awareness campaign using multimedia to educate at-risk populations about early cancer detection.
HSE (Health Service Executive)
- Ensure adequate endoscopy capacity for expansion of the BowelScreen program for ages 55-74 by end-2021.
- Develop a three-year plan to enhance care pathways between primary and secondary care for specific cancers.
- Ensure electronic referrals for cancer patients are implemented by end-2022.
Training and Capacity Building
- Work with educational authorities to increase training places for radiographers and sonographers.
- Develop guidelines to ensure GPs have direct access to cancer diagnostics within agreed timelines.
Integration of Care Models
- Enhance care pathways and ensure multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) discuss all cancer cases for improved patient outcomes.
Public Health Initiatives
- Legislation updates on tobacco and alcohol to include e-cigarettes, focusing on public health and prevention measures.
- The Irish Cancer Prevention Network establishes consistent cancer prevention messaging and supports national programs.
Progress and Developments (to end-2019)
- Legislative progress on tobacco and alcohol consumption regulation is ongoing, including movement to ban e-cigarette sales to those under 18.
- The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan was officially launched in May 2019, focusing efforts on at-risk groups.
- BowelScreen Program referrals have increased, requiring further endoscopic capacity before extending the age range for screenings.
- Early detection campaigns prioritize lung cancer, and a National Lung Cancer Awareness Survey guides intervention planning.
- Appointed leads and committees, including a National Lead for Cancer Molecular Diagnostics and a National Clinical Lead for Psycho-Oncology, progress cancer care and research.
Survivor and Patient Inclusivity
- Patient Treatment Summary and Care Plans are to be provided for all patients, detailing cancer treatment and follow-up care.
- The Cancer Patient Advisory Committee was formed to represent patient needs in policy-making, ensuring remote communities are included.
- A Cancer Survivorship Needs Assessment aims to identify effective survivorship healthcare models in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society.
Integrated Care and Research Initiatives
- Collaboration with private sector providers is aimed at enhancing cancer data collection and compliance with treatment guidelines.
- Establishment of a National Cancer Research Group to coordinate research priorities and support within the health service.
- The NCCP ensures the integration of clinical research into everyday cancer care, enhancing continuity of practice and outcomes assessment.
Future Directions
Continued work on a comprehensive workforce plan for cancer services targeting medical, nursing, and support staff levels.
Expansion of radiation oncology facilities in Dublin, Cork, and Galway to meet patient demand.
Enhancement of palliative care services, ensuring availability across facilities with specialized professionals.
Establishment of strategies for effective pediatric cancer treatment and support within the overarching cancer strategy framework.
Emphasis on developing operational standards and models of care for specific cancer types and improving patient care through inclusive practices.